Smarter Than You Think

Animal Behavior

The Legacy of Two Great Primatologists

Juliane Bräuer Ph.D. on March 19, 2024

In 2024, we have lost two great primatologists.

In 2024, we have lost two great primatologists.

Animal Behavior

Lemurs: The Mysterious Primates of Madagascar

Juliane Bräuer Ph.D. on March 5, 2024

What do you know about lemurs? I didn't know much before I went to Madagascar.

What do you know about lemurs? I didn't know much before I went to Madagascar.

Animal Behavior

Bonobos: The Peaceful Apes

Juliane Bräuer Ph.D. on November 24, 2023

Here's what we can learn from the differences between bonobos, chimpanzees, and humans.

Here's what we can learn from the differences between bonobos, chimpanzees, and humans.

Animal Behavior

Why Horses Are Big Dogs

Juliane Bräuer Ph.D. on September 29, 2023

Dogs and horses can both be extremely sensitive toward humans.

Dogs and horses can both be extremely sensitive toward humans.

Cognition

Syntax in Monkeys and Apes

Juliane Bräuer Ph.D. on July 21, 2023

Humans have language; animals do not. But do they use typical features of language?

Humans have language; animals do not. But do they use typical features of language?

Animal Behavior

Goats Are Not Stupid

Juliane Bräuer Ph.D. on June 15, 2023

Goats are smarter than you might think. Recent research proves it.

Goats are smarter than you might think. Recent research proves it.

Cross-Cultural Psychology

How People Treat Their Dogs All Over the World

Juliane Bräuer Ph.D. on April 5, 2023

More than half of the world's dog population is not treated the same as they are in Western countries. How do people treat and value their dogs in non-Western societies?

More than half of the world's dog population is not treated the same as they are in Western countries. How do people treat and value their dogs in non-Western societies?

Teamwork

Hunting Together in the Animal Kingdom

Juliane Bräuer Ph.D. on February 10, 2023

Lions do it, hyenas do it, orcas do it—they hunt in groups. But cooperative hunting also happens between species.

Lions do it, hyenas do it, orcas do it—they hunt in groups. But cooperative hunting also happens between species.

Attention

The Chimpanzee and the Moon

Juliane Bräuer Ph.D. on December 23, 2022

New research shows another commonality between humans and our chimpanzee relatives.

New research shows another commonality between humans and our chimpanzee relatives.

Personality

Like Man, Like Dog: Owner-Dog Resemblance

Juliane Bräuer Ph.D. on November 7, 2022

Is it really true that dogs and owners are similar?

Is it really true that dogs and owners are similar?

Relationships

The Favorite Animals of Comparative Psychologists

Juliane Bräuer Ph.D. on July 21, 2022

The reason why comparative psychologists choose certain animals to study is not that they love them, although they often do.

The reason why comparative psychologists choose certain animals to study is not that they love them, although they often do.

Animal Behavior

Great Apes Use Water as a Tool

Juliane Bräuer Ph.D. on May 23, 2022

In the Zoo of Leipzig in Germany, orangutans came up with a solution to a task that 8-year-old humans have difficulty solving.

In the Zoo of Leipzig in Germany, orangutans came up with a solution to a task that 8-year-old humans have difficulty solving.

Cognition

Crows Are Smarter Than You May Think

Juliane Bräuer Ph.D. on March 7, 2022

Crows are smarter than you think.

Crows are smarter than you think.

Friends

Why Did Humans Domesticate Dogs?

Juliane Bräuer Ph.D. on December 23, 2021

Dog domestication is a complicated evolutionary and cultural process that leads to a symbiotic relationship with humans.

Dog domestication is a complicated evolutionary and cultural process that leads to a symbiotic relationship with humans.

Intelligence

How Primates Understand Newton

Juliane Bräuer Ph.D. on October 15, 2021

Objects always fall perpendicularly to the ground. Can primates use this information to locate food?

Objects always fall perpendicularly to the ground. Can primates use this information to locate food?

Forgiveness

Do Dogs Understand Our Intentions?

Juliane Bräuer Ph.D. on September 2, 2021

Dogs respond differently to intentional and unintentional actions.

Dogs respond differently to intentional and unintentional actions.

Environment

Are Animals Cultural Beings?

Juliane Bräuer Ph.D. on July 20, 2021

Many people would answer the question of what makes us human by insisting that we are cultural beings.

Many people would answer the question of what makes us human by insisting that we are cultural beings.

Personality

Can Animals Delay Gratification?

Juliane Bräuer Ph.D. on June 2, 2021

Animals are often forced to decide whether they prefer something immediately or are willing to wait for something better.

Animals are often forced to decide whether they prefer something immediately or are willing to wait for something better.

Teamwork

A Simple Task Illuminates How Different Species Cooperate

Juliane Bräuer Ph.D. on April 19, 2021

Cooperation is not limited to the human species; many animal species are capable of working together towards a common goal.

Cooperation is not limited to the human species; many animal species are capable of working together towards a common goal.

Scent

Smarter Than Us?

Juliane Bräuer Ph.D. on February 9, 2021

We are ready to accept animal supremacy in anatomical features or physical performances, but we have problems imagining that animals could outperform us in cognitive abilities.

We are ready to accept animal supremacy in anatomical features or physical performances, but we have problems imagining that animals could outperform us in cognitive abilities.